understanding and intentions she expressed to Mr. Bennett.”
The judge nodded.
“Proceed.”
I unfolded the first page.
My mother’s gaze settled on it.
Dad folded his arms.
I began reading.
“My darling girl…”
My voice almost broke on the first three words.
I stopped.
Swallowed.
And continued.
Nana had written about watching me grow from a quiet child into an adult who believed responsibility mattered.
She remembered how hard I’d worked to get through school.
She remembered the day I told her I wanted to become an attorney.
She remembered standing beside me when I received my military commission.
I read slowly.
Every sentence seemed to pull a memory into the room.
The chipped blue mug.
Her kitchen table.
The cards she sent me.
The way she always asked whether I was happy before she asked whether I was successful.
Then I reached the section about the estate.
